Ly6G ligation blocks recruitment of neutrophils via a β2-integrin-dependent mechanism

Blood. 2012 Aug 16;120(7):1489-98. doi: 10.1182/blood-2012-01-404046. Epub 2012 Jun 1.

Abstract

Ly6G is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein of unknown function that is commonly targeted to induce experimental neutrophil depletion in mice. In the present study, we found that doses of anti-Ly6G Abs too low to produce sustained neutropenia remained capable of inhibiting experimental arthritis, leaving joint tissues free of infiltrating neutrophils. Thioglycollate-stimulated peritonitis was also attenuated. No alteration in neutrophil apoptosis was observed, implicating impaired recruitment. Indeed, Ly6G ligation abrogated neutrophil migration toward LTB(4) and other chemoattractants in a transwell system. Exploring the basis for this blockade, we identified colocalization of Ly6G and β2-integrins by confocal microscopy and confirmed close association by both coimmunoprecipitation and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. Anti-Ly6G Ab impaired surface expression of β2-integrins in LTB(4)-stimulated neutrophils and mimicked CD11a blockade in inhibiting both ICAM-1 binding and firm adhesion to activated endothelium under flow conditions. Correspondingly, migration of β2-integrin-deficient neutrophils was no longer inhibited by anti-Ly6G. These results demonstrate that experimental targeting of Ly6G has functional effects on the neutrophil population and identify a previously unappreciated role for Ly6G as a modulator of neutrophil migration to sites of inflammation via a β2-integrin-dependent mechanism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies / pharmacology
  • Antigens, Ly / metabolism*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Arthritis / blood
  • Arthritis / pathology
  • Arthritis / prevention & control
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • CD18 Antigens / metabolism*
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Down-Regulation / drug effects
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Joints / drug effects
  • Joints / pathology
  • Leukotriene B4 / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neutrophil Activation / drug effects
  • Neutrophil Infiltration* / drug effects
  • Neutrophils / drug effects
  • Neutrophils / metabolism
  • Neutrophils / pathology*
  • Peritoneum / drug effects
  • Peritoneum / pathology
  • Receptors, Leukotriene B4 / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Antigens, Ly
  • Biomarkers
  • CD18 Antigens
  • Ly6G antigen, mouse
  • Receptors, Leukotriene B4
  • Leukotriene B4
  • Calcium